Sri Lankan wildlife – Breathtaking beauty and fantastic beasts
Majestic and wondrous. You hold your breath and watch, as you take in the magic.. Imagine yourself enveloped in the magnificence and grandeur, thrill and adventure and the mesmerizing beauty of the wilderness around you. How might you feel as you wait in anticipation mingled with fear and excitement for a glimpse or more, of these fantastic beasts; the amazing elephant, fiery leopard and many other creatures of nature?
Sri Lanka, a country of abundance, has been blessed with everything special that nature has to offer. From palm fringed beaches amidst aqua waters, to alluring cool climes in the misty mountains this little tropical island is admired for the most beautiful flora and fauna the eye can behold.
A haven for wildlife, Sri Lanka is home to some of the largest mammals and endangered species on sea, soil and skies. With over 25 national parks, more than 60 bird sanctuaries and 90 species of mammals, Sri Lanka is acclaimed for being amongst the top 10 bio diversity hotspots in the world.
If you make your way to some of the wild life preservations or national parks you will be rewarded with some amazing sightings of elephants, leopards, bears, deer and rabbits. The most colourful sight would be spotting of a peacock at prime performance, kingfishers, parrots and many other birds of a myriad hues.
On the wet-line, however you will be intrigued by the ocean life. And what better place to watch sea creatures than the coastal area of Sri Lanka. If you take a trip downsouth and go on a whale watching expedition in a little town called Mirissa, make sure to capture some lovely photographs of the blue whale, dolphins and many other interesting creatures. Not forgetting the turtle sanctuary in Kosgoda.
If you are a lover of outdoor, adventure and wild life, here are some places you can check out on your visit to Sri Lanka.
A safari around Wilpattu National Park, located in the Northwest coast of Sri Lanka, will most definitely not disappoint you or your camera. Get ready for some action because you are sure to find many interesting species of animals. Leopards hunting for prey, crocodiles sunbathing, parading peacocks and a few timid deer. Be aware and follow instructions of your guide, for even though calm and peaceful in their habitat, they could be quite challenging if provoked or disturbed.
The elephant is revered in Sri Lanka. And this wonderful creature is taken on parades and religious festivals purely for its magnificent demeanor and majestic aura. You will see the elephant adorned in rich attire at the traditional Kandyan Perahera (a religious festival and parade) to carry the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha.
If you love elephants make way to the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. These elephants are tame and enjoy performing for you. You are sure to love their little tricks and antics. During feeding time, they will flock around you for some tasty snacks and tid-bids.
Now if you like to experience the not so tame not so game elephant, Minneriya is the place to visit. Minneriya is a small town in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. A hot spot for safari lovers, this is where the famous Minneriya National park nourished by the Minneriya reservoir is located. Herds of elephants and many other diverse species of animals can be seen gathering near the reservoir especially during the dry season. Plan your trip around the best times with the advice of your agent, especially if you are an ardent lover of wild animals.
In Sri Lanka, you will be spoilt for choice as there are so many extra ordinary places to visit. You would be tempted by whale watching expeditions, many creatures of Pigeon Islands, profound beauty of the Sinharaja forest reserve, the Udawalawe National Park and the renowned Yala National park believed to have the highest concentration of leopards in the world.
Speak to an experienced travel agent or guide who can help you plan a perfect trip that will give you the real Sri Lankan experience. There is so much to see and so much to do, brace yourself for some adventure and excitement! The Sri Lankan smile will forever stay in your heart.
